Rippled all the way

Summer of 2011 brought us closer to new fun trend i.e. pleated skirts.Lets see the pleated trend forecast.

What inspired me to research and write about this trend is a shoot that i came across in Marie Claire India. The beauty and elegance,the nude colours just took me to a fantasy world and my stylist brain urged to experiment and create more looks with this trend.

Look created by me for styling services at Select Citywalk:

Nude Pleated skirt: Mango
Coral top:Forever New

Pleats are flooding all over be it runway,celebrities or streets.Pleats are available in all colours, lengths and styles.Lets go deep in this rippled pleat world and help you discover your favorite kind of pleated skirt.

The Most famous kind of pleat this season is the knife pleat and the sunray pleats.Knife pleats are single pleats that all go in the same direction; sunray pleats are knife pleats that are cut to start smaller and get wider towards the bottom, creating a flared-out effect.

knife pleats seen at Christopher Kane show

Another most popular one being the Accordion pleat. This is the one being used on most of the maxi and mid length skirts.

Accordion Pleat skirt at Zara

The Maxi is the length for the season,be it dresses or skirts, so don’t be afraid to stock up as they are likely to remain in trend for a while. For a statement piece, invest in a pleated maxi skirt in a sheer fabric..well yes combine the two trends together for that ultra romantic ethereal look.This is a trend that has early 20th century influences and a sense of elegance, or a contrasting sense of 70’s glamour.Choose lightweight fabrics like silk tulle, crepe,Georgette and chiffon and swish your skirt and have fun.

If you like it short and stiff, choose box pleats. The schoolgirl looking skirt is ideal with long boots or long socks.

Eva Mendes in a Stella McCartney box pleat skirt

Make your pleated skirts look distinctive by contrasting it with denim, leather,blazers or even jersey it down or just a little bit of shimmer and spunk to dress it up.

I have picked items and created some looks for all the fashionistas out there who want to wear
this trend with panache.

look 1:

This look centers around the Nude skirt and a special focus to the summer. Incorporating two main trends i.e. floral and nudes you can style your pleated skirt and walk around town. An addition to the look is the white summer blazer for the cool evening breeze or for those fashionistas who would love to travel with this look.

FOCUS: How to wear a blazer with your pleated skirt

Look 2:

PLeated skirts look great when worn with something rugged like denim, it breaks the feminity and works well for those women who are fans of androgynous dressing. Here, i have given options of the various denim silhouettes as well as three different accessory options. one can pick as per your style and personality.For those who like it simple wear the skirt with a classic denim shirt or jacket and for the ones who like it different try the skirt with cropped jackets or waistcoats.

FOCUS: How to wear Denim and pleats

Look 3:

This theme focuses on the giraffe print skirt and how one can wear the same skirt both in the day as well as night. Just by changing the accessories and the jacket you can walk out wearing the same skirt.For the day, i have used nude colours keeping summer in mind along with sweet floral scent and peach makeup shades to balance the harsh colour and print of the skirt. For the night, I have edged the look by using patent leather, studs and sequins along with the dark smoky palette for the eyes.

FOCUS: How to wear your pleated in leather & military style

Look 4:

Fur frenzied..fur is another big trend for fall/winter 2011. wear the two big trends together in a subdued winter palette of brown, mustard and grey. These four different looks are individualistic in their own way.

In the first look is an ordinary striped T-shirt (by now everyone must be possessing heaps) is used with a sheer pleated skirt and a white tie waist fur jacket that adds character to the look.

The second look is for those who like bling and shorter skirts. When the gold shimmer skirt is used with the fur vest and print, it an interesting element.

The third look is with a simple denim shirt .it is quite casual in itself but when used with fur and a silk pleated skirt, it looks over the top and innovative.

The fourth look is a short silk pleated skirt paired with a cream blouse and a fur vest. The look is quite achievable and tested for the non risk takers.

FOCUS: How to wear Fur with pleated skirts

Look 5:

Bohemian is my favorite look so i have created five looks with pleated skirts keeping a few boho elements.The floral prints, fringes, peasant blouses,feathers are all boho ingredients, when combined with pleated skirts they add a whole new flavor.The right kind of accessories like belt, shoes, bags and jewelry add to the look.

FOCUS:How to wear the boho trend with pleated skirts.

Other ways of wearing a pleated skirt

Color Blocking:

Pretty in pink with textures

Loose and dropped

Monochromatic

Knotted

Floral

Urban city chic

Casual T-shirt Day

Soo enjoy the ripples all through summer and winter, don’t be afraid to experiment..just follow a few looks created above and add your personal style for individuality. Hope it helps…

( For the items used in the look boards, view me on polyvore by clicking on the logo in the right side bar)